Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: battery disconnect switch

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battery disconnect switch

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1164
Printed Date: 12 May 2025 at 12:35pm
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Topic: battery disconnect switch

Posted By: Sistahs
Subject: battery disconnect switch
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2010 at 8:04pm

I want to put in a battery disconnect switch and need to know if the pod battery negative wire is the ground wire, since I understand one should remove the ground wire first when removing the battery. Having had a car with positive ground at one time, I like to be double sure of things. Excess caution, you know. Would appreciate any guidance offered. I am always trying to learn new things.

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F150/R-pod171

Replies:

Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2010 at 8:34pm

Yes, the negative is the ground.

Was your positive ground car an MG, by chance?

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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :.

Posted By: Sistahs
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2010 at 12:59pm

Thanks for the info, and now that I have put the switch on the battery box, I have another question. The battery is only on if the red key is left in the switch, as removing the key shuts off the circuit. Is that correct, and if so does that mean if I want ref. on 12v while driving, or if I want the coach battery to be charged by the tow vehicle that the key must remain in the switch? That seems a bit odd, but doable. I thought about reversing the wiring on the switch posts, but it seems that would make no difference. However, I am electrically handicapped and never can do much with voltage things. Would so appreciate a shout out about this, so I can keep on working down my list of must dos on my pod. By the way, the positive ground car was not an MG. It was probably the old 2 cyl. French Panhard, but it was way too many cars ago to trust my memory.

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F150/R-pod171

Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2010 at 7:22pm

You need to have the key in for the battery to be connected. You do want the battery connected as you are towing as that controls the Brakes Break away switch and will activate the brakes if something goes wrong and your trailer and car splits apart. I have my key connected to a cord that is fastened to the frame.

Posted By: Sistahs
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2010 at 8:48pm

Thank you so much for the quick answer. All is well with my installation and I managed to do it right. Wow! This forum is such a great resource!

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F150/R-pod171

Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2010 at 9:36pm

No Problem! Enjoy making the mods to your 171. there are all sorts of things you can do to make them more like yours. Have any other questions feel free to ask!